A fatal road collision on the Raujans stretch of the Chattogram–Kaptai highway escalated into widespread unrest on Sunday night, culminating in the torching of two passenger buses. The incident claimed the life of a CNG-run auto-rickshaw driver and left a passenger critically injured, triggering hours of traffic paralysis and public disorder.
The accident occurred at approximately 10:45 pm near Maijja Mia Ghat in the Urkirchar Union of Raujans upazila. According to eyewitness accounts, a CNG auto-rickshaw attempting to overtake another vehicle collided head-on with an oncoming long-distance bus. The impact was devastating, leaving the three-wheeler completely mangled and trapping its occupants.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Nazrul Islam from Mir Dhar Para village in West Guzra Union, died on the spot due to severe injuries. A passenger travelling in the same vehicle sustained critical injuries and was swiftly transported by locals to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for emergency treatment.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, tension spread rapidly among local residents. What began as shock and grief quickly turned into anger, with a group of agitated bystanders attacking the bus involved in the collision. The situation soon escalated beyond control as the vehicle was set ablaze. The fire rapidly spread to a second nearby passenger bus, resulting in both vehicles being completely gutted before emergency services could contain the blaze.
Two fire service units from Kalurghat and Raujans stations were deployed to the scene and managed to bring the fire under control after nearly an hour of intensive efforts. However, by that time, both buses had already suffered extensive damage and were rendered beyond repair.
The unrest caused a severe disruption to traffic flow along the busy highway, creating a tailback stretching nearly one kilometre in both directions. Normal movement of vehicles remained suspended for a considerable period until law enforcement personnel brought the situation under control shortly after midnight.
Sequence of Events
| Time (approx.) | Incident | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 10:45 pm | Head-on collision between CNG and bus | CNG driver killed instantly |
| 11:00 pm | Rescue efforts initiated by locals | One passenger critically injured |
| 11:15 pm | Mob attacks and sets fire to bus | One bus destroyed |
| 11:25 pm | Fire spreads to second bus | Two buses completely gutted |
| 12:00 am | Fire service extinguishes blaze | Traffic remains halted |
| 12:15 am | Police restore order | Traffic gradually resumes |
Sub-Inspector Mamun Bhuiyan of Noapara Police Outpost confirmed that the injured passenger was admitted to hospital for treatment and the deceased’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination. He further stated that both buses and the damaged CNG vehicle have been seized as part of the investigation into the incident and subsequent arson.
Officer-in-Charge of Raujans Police Station, Sajedul Islam, confirmed the sequence of events, noting that the front section of the CNG vehicle was completely destroyed in the collision. He added that the situation is now under control while authorities continue to investigate both the road accident and the ensuing acts of vandalism.